Auto Accident Injury in Rapid City, SD

Have you suffered an injury due to a car accident in Rapid City? If so, your life may never be the same again. Injuries from a car accident can interfere with your ability both to work and to enjoy everyday activities. They can also be incredibly painful. As such, you need an auto accident attorney who understands the laws in and around Rapid City, SD that will fight for your legal rights and help you receive the financial compensation you deserve.

Auto Accident Injury Statistics in Rapid City, South Dakota

According to the National Safety Council, in 2019 about 4.4 million people suffered serious injuries in motor vehicle accidents and an estimated 38,000 were killed. According to the South Dakota Department of Public Safety, the Rapid City area has the 2nd highest number of auto accidents in the state. The most common cause of auto accidents is hitting a wild animal. In addition, speeding, failure to yield, and following too closely are also common causes of accidents. There are over 2,000 auto accidents per year in the Rapid City area. Although many of these accidents are minor, more than 13% involve injuries or deaths. However, proper seat belt use can significantly reduce the number and severity of injuries.

What to Do After an Auto Accident

It’s important to be prepared in the event you are a victim of a car accident. Below are the steps to remember immediately after your crash.

Receive Immediate Medical Attention

What is the most important step that you need to take after an auto accident? You need to receive immediate and proper medical treatment. You may believe that the injuries sustained after an auto accident are minor. Proper medical treatment helps ensure that you have not sustained any internal injuries that you may not be aware of.

File a Police Report

Even if no one sustained injuries, you still need to call 911 and request law enforcement assistance. When officers arrive, jot down each one’s name and badge number. Answer their questions honestly, but don’t volunteer any unasked for information, especially your thoughts on exactly what happened or who caused the car accident. Be sure to ask the officers for the number of their police report. Also ask when and where you can get a copy of it, including how much it will cost you.

Rapid City accidents involving any injuries, alcohol, or hit-and-runs, should be reported immediately, typically by calling 911. All other auto accidents can be reported to the Rapid City Police Department.

Gather the Appropriate Documentation

While waiting for officers to arrive after a car accident, collect information from all other drivers involved in the accident, including the following:

• Full name, address, phone number and email address
• Driver’s license state and number
• Auto insurance company name, policy number and phone number

Use your cell phone to take pictures of each driver’s license, auto insurance card, your vehicle and each additional vehicle involved in the car accident. Don’t rely on verbal communication. Having as much information as possible will only help you and your case later on. Try to keep this exchange as civil and friendly as possible. However, do not apologize for causing the accident or indicate in any way that you think you may have caused it. 

Recovering Damages After an Auto Accident Injury

After surviving a car accident, the emotional and economic toll it takes can be staggering. You are not only dealing with the mental anguish that comes with being involved in a crash, but you may also be experiencing severe physical harm as well.

Common injuries associated with motor vehicle accidents include:

• Burn injuries
• Back and neck injuries, such as whiplash
• Brain and head injuries
• Broken bones
• Spinal injuries
• Soft tissue injuries

There are almost 17,000 auto accidents in South Dakota every year. According to the Centers for Disease Control, yearly medical costs for auto accidents in South Dakota total $1 million. In addition, the costs of missed work reach $204 million.

The National Safety Council reports that the average costs range from $12,000 to almost $100,000 per accident. A Rapid City attorney can help you factor in all of the costs from your accident. These can include the obvious medical or car repair bills and less clear costs like lost wages or loss of quality of life.

Hiring a car accident lawyer ensures you have the financial ability to cover any losses that have occurred as a result of a crash. An auto accident attorney will also help you handle the paperwork that you will have to complete from insurance companies. This boosts your odds of receiving the insurance compensation you deserve.

Auto Accident Laws in South Dakota

Liability Laws for Rapid City

When car accidents happen, it is essential to determine who bears responsibility for the resulting damage and medical bills. Determining fault impacts everything from your insurance claim and level of liability to the amount of confusion you may endure during the claims process. 

Liability insurance is required for all Rapid City motorists. South Dakota insurance companies use a fault system, so the at fault driver’s insurance company typically pays the damages. If a lawsuit is filed, South Dakota courts apply a unique version of  comparative negligence. Under this standard, you can still recover damages if you were partially at fault. However, the court must find that your fault was only a “slight” cause of the accident. It is important to note that the interpretation of the level of fault is left to the discretion of the jury.

Statute of Limitations in Rapid City

Each state has its own tort laws that determine the statute of limitations on a claim. In some states, this gives you just one year to file a claim in court, while some others may give you up to six years. South Dakota imposes a 3 year statute of limitations for auto accident injury claims in Rapid City. However, claims for damage to personal property can be filed for up to 6 years from the date of the accident.

This is why it is important to consult with an attorney immediately after your car crash. Don’t wait and risk losing out on any compensation they can recover.

Work With an Experienced Auto Accident Lawyer Near Rapid City, SD

After a car accident, you have enough to worry about. We can help you find an auto accident attorney for your unique case. Get the financial restitution that you deserve if you’re the victim of someone else’s conduct. We can even help you connect with legal help across South Dakota state lines.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an attorney in your area!